How to choose a miner: GMiner, TeamRedMiner, lolMiner, and XMRig for GPU/CPU/ASIC

🛠️ Choosing a miner for GPU, CPU, and ASIC

Mining software (or a miner) is a program that performs hash calculations to mine cryptocurrency. Choosing the right miner determines the profitability and stability of your mining operation. There are several types of hardware: GPUs (Nvidia/AMD graphics cards), CPUs (processors), and ASICs (specialized integrated circuits).

GPU mining is suitable for algorithms such as Ethash (Ethereum Classic), KawPow (Ravencoin), Equihash (Zcash), and others. Modern video cards are effective for mining altcoins.
CPU mining is primarily relevant for the RandomX algorithm (Monero). XMRig is an optimized miner for RandomX; Monero is the only major coin where CPU mining is still profitable.
ASIC mining is practically the only way to mine Bitcoin (SHA-256) and other demanding algorithms. ASIC miners and software like CGMiner/BFGMiner are used for Bitcoin; GPUs are ineffective.

Please note: after Ethereum’s transition to Proof-of-Stake (PoS consensus), mining of the “big” Ether has ceased. GPUs are now more often redirecting their power to other algorithms (ETHW, ETC, Ravencoin, Ergo, etc.).

⚙️ Review of popular miners

GMiner – universal GPU miner for Nvidia and AMD

GMiner is a relatively new but already popular miner. It supports a wide range of algorithms (Autolykos2, Ethash, KawPow, Etchash, etc.) and works on both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards. Thanks to auto-optimization, GMiner automatically selects the optimal settings for your hardware.

Supported coins: Kaspa, Ergo, Ravencoin (KAWPOW), EthereumPoW/Classic (ETHW/ETC), Zilliqa (ZIL), etc.
Functions: dual and even triple mining (simultaneous mining of two or three coins).
Pros: Good hashrate on modern GPUs, automatic tuning. An excellent choice for “gray” (universal) mining rigs.
Cons: The developer takes a commission (usually 2% in GMiner). The interface is a console.

Example: GMiner can be found and downloaded from the official GitHub. Pre-made batch files are available for different coins (e.g., for ETC+KAS+ZIL).

🔴 TeamRedMiner – a powerful miner for AMD GPUs

TeamRedMiner (TRM) is designed exclusively for AMD graphics cards . It is known for its high performance on these cards, especially the Vega and new RX series. After Ravencoin switched to the KawPow algorithm, it became one of the leading RVN miners on AMD.

Algorithms: supports Autolykos2 (Ergo), KHeavyhash (Kaspa), KawPow (RVN), Ethash/Etchash (ETH/ETC), RandomX (Monero on AMD), etc.
Features: TRM features “smooth power consumption,” allowing the miner to operate at lower voltages without losing hashrate. Dual/triple mining support and an expanded list of algorithms have been added.
Who it’s for: Ideal for experienced miners with AMD rigs. Many AMD Vega owners already used this software before TRM.
Cons: Doesn’t support Nvidia cards. Console mode, requires configuring batch files.

😺 lolMiner – a flexible miner with an emphasis on AMD

lolMiner started out as a solution for Equihash (Zcash/Firo), but has evolved into a universal miner with excellent optimization for AMD graphics cards. However, it can also run on Nvidia (though there are T-Rex and Phoenix for green miners).

Supported algorithms: Ethash, KawPow, Autolykos2, Equihash (144, 192, 210/9 – Zcash), BeamHash, Kaspa, etc.
For AMD: lolMiner is recommended for new Radeon RX 5000/6000/7000 cards. It performs well, especially if you have older cards with 4GB of memory (it has a Zombie mode).
Features: Supports dual mining (simultaneous mining of two coins), which can increase profits by 10-20%.
Cons: There’s a small commission (0.7%). While Nvidia can mine with it, there are faster T-Rex/NBMiner for them.

💎 XMRig – the choice for CPU mining Monero (RandomX)

XMRig is an open-source miner with CPU (and optional GPU) support. It was created specifically for the RandomX algorithm , which is used by Monero and some other coins. RandomX is what makes CPU mining profitable: “XMRig is the only coin where CPU mining is still profitable.”

Hardware: Multithreaded Intel and AMD CPUs (Ryzen/Threadripper in particular provide good performance). On Nvidia/AMD GPUs, XMRig runs via OpenCL/CUDA, but for RandomX, CPUs are typically used.
For those with powerful CPUs who want to mine Monero. XMRig is often run in parallel with GPU mining, as it requires little graphics card resources.
Setup: Create a JSON config file, specify the pool and Monero wallet. Documentation is available on the official XMRig website.
Cons: Depends on CPU power consumption; electricity often consumes most of the income if tariffs are high.

📊 How to choose a miner based on coin and hardware

When choosing a miner, consider the cryptocurrency’s algorithm and your hardware . Below are examples of compliance (based on reviews and expert data):

Bitcoin (SHA-256): only ASIC (Antminer, etc.) with software like CGMiner/BFGMiner. GPU mining is unprofitable here.
Ethereum / Ethereum Classic (Ethash): GPU software: PhoenixMiner, NBMiner, lolMiner, GMiner, TeamRedMiner. (After the ETH mainnet PoS agreement, people mine recreationally on ETHW forks or ETC.)
Ravencoin (KawPow): GMiner, NBMiner, T-Rex (for Nvidia) and TeamRedMiner, lolMiner (for AMD) are recommended.
Monero (RandomX): XMRig (CPU mining only).
Zcash / other Equihash: You can use lolMiner or the specialized ClaymoreZEC. These miners support Equihash 210/9 (Zcash). Zcash can also be mined on ASICs (e.g., the Antminer Z15).

For example, if you’re mining with AMD RX 6000 GPUs, try TeamRedMiner or lolMiner. For Nvidia rigs, try T-Rex or GMiner. And if you have a multi-core Ryzen rig, try running XMRig on Monero as an add-on.

✅ Tips for choosing and setting up

Skill level: Many console miners (T-Rex, GMiner, TeamRed, lolMiner) require editing batch files. Beginners may find it easier to start with NiceHash Miner or Kryptex (automatic configuration).
Dev fee: Consider the developer’s fee. GMiner charges ~2%, lolMiner ~0.7%, and NiceHash/Kryptex up to 2.5%. A small fee is usually offset by higher performance or ease of use.
Support: Check for an active community and updates. For example, TeamRedMiner and lolMiner have Russian-language guides, and XMRig has extensive documentation. It’s best to download software from the official websites or GitHub (follow the developer’s links).
Configuration: Configured sample bat files are often found in the “examples”/”mine_example” folders of miners. Always replace the wallet and pool addresses with your own.
Testing: The best way is to run several miners one after the other and compare the hashrate in your pool. Results from various reviews (such as 2Miners tests) confirm that on the same card, the hashrate advantage between the top miners can be several percent.

🚀 Conclusion

The choice of miner depends on compatibility with the hardware and algorithm of the chosen coin. GMiner, TeamRedMiner, and lolMiner are well suited for modern GPUs (Ethash, KawPow, Autolykos2, etc.). XMRig is the key to CPU mining of Monero.

Beginners are recommended to start with user-friendly programs (NiceHash/Kryptex) and gradually move on to specialized console miners. Experienced miners should experiment: “GUI miners are simpler, but console miners produce higher hashrate.” The main thing is to download software only from official sources , configure it carefully, and monitor your profitability.